Barefoot Church: Serving the Least in a Consumer Culture

by Brandon Hatmaker

People are hungry to make a difference, yet most don't know where to start. In fact, 'serving the least' is often one of the most neglected mandates of Jesus. Barefoot Church shows readers how today's church can be a catalyst for individual, collective, and social renewal in any context. Whether pastors or laypeople, readers will discover practical ideas that end up being as much about the Gospel and personal transformation as they are about serving the poor. Here they will see how the organizational structure of the church can be created or redesigned for mission in any context. Drawing from his own journey, Brandon Hatmaker proves to readers that serving the least is not a trendy act of benevolence but a lifestyle of authentic community and spiritual transformation. As Hatmaker writes, 'My hope is that God would open our eyes more and more to the needs of our community. And that we would see it as the church's responsibility to lead the charge.'

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Church, Religion, Theology

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2011

About the author

Brandon is an author, biker, humanitarian, and a huge fan of the underdog. He co-stars in the HGTV and DIY Network series "My Big Family Renovation."

After more than 20 years of working in the local church, he co-founded and is now the Managing Partner of The Legacy Collective (www.legacycollective.org) and The Legacy Investor Group LLC which focuses on partnering, pioneering, and funding sustainable solutions to systemic social issues.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barefoot Church, in my humble opinion, is a manifesto for the church to embrace its identity as the Church. If we claim to be followers of Jesus there comes with that a certain look, attitude, and action. Brandon Hatmaker helps to lay forth the blueprint for what that ought to look like. The beauty in how he accomplishes this however, is that it's not done in a you-copy-me sort of way. Rather, it's accomplished through extensive Scriptural backing and by telling his story (and the story of Austin New Church) in such a way that you're left feeling empowered and inspired to go forth and begin writing your own story.

Without question, this is a must read for the follower of Jesus who longs to see the Church reach it's fingers deep into the heart of God. It's for those frustrated with the status quo of church life and who long to see something of Kingdom significance happen in their midst. It's for those who can no longer sit still in their pew for their soul groans and aches too loudly to ignore and they must set their feet to the streets to rub up against those in need of Jesus.

Be not mistaken, Barefoot Church isn't for the faint of heart. It's a loud cry for the mission of the Church to be loosed in the world today. I can only pray that more and more find inspiration and motivation through these pages as I have.

[Steve Mayall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author thought he had the dream job: pastoring a megachurch. But an encounter with a homeless man who wanted his Texan boots changed all that. That sparked the beginning of a journey of discovery of what it means for the Church of Jesus Christ to be missional. Maybe I should let the author speak for himself about that: "Barefoot Church is not about attractional, seeker-sensitive, culturally relevant, or other models. It is not a church growth strategy or new style of church. Contrary to popular belief, serving the least does not make a missional church. It’s about serving the least and your neighbor. It’s about balancing the fasting and the feast."

[Laurel Williston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was informative and inspirational. It described the author's journey to pastoring a local church that focuses on serving the least of these while bringing spiritual maturity to the lives of its people. It re-awakened hope in me that a church body that prioritizes what Jesus prioritized and creates actual Christians (little Christs) may be possible yet today in American culture. If you want to read about Christianity that resembles the way Christ lived and prioritizes the gospel as well as being on mission and mutual encouragement, this is the book for you!

[Teri Lynne Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the very best books I have read on what church can and should look like. I think I highlighted 2/3 of the book. A must read for church leadership ... and for the rest of us who are wondering how to serve like Christ. Be prepared though, this book will stomp on your toes!

[Jennifer V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our religious culture is a consumer culture. Whether through worship services or other church activities, most Christians are spectators rather than an integral part of the action. Brandon Hatmaker, senior pastor of the Austin New Church and co-founder of Missio, wants to change all that. In Barefoot Church: Servicing the Least in a Consumer Culture (Zondervan, 2011), he reminds us that, in the words of James, pure religion requires serving the poor and oppressed, not sitting on the sidelines a few times a week expecting to be entertained. Hatmaker wants to get every member of every church involved in community service projects, which unfortunately have taken a backseat to evangelism.

There’s a backlash against this view primarily because church leaders tend to fear “social gospel,” the preaching and teaching that society can be saved through prohibition, soup kitchens, and improved sanitation, rather than through Jesus Christ. This isn’t what Hatmaker’s promoting. He’s calling Christians to return service to its rightful place beside the proclamation of the Gospel. He’s looking for barefoot Christians, those willing to give up their shoes for the homeless on the spot, regardless of whether or not there’s an opportunity to convert them.

Right now, churches direct most of their resources to “getting people in the door.” This method has failed to produce the kind of growth expected. The “unchurched” don’t have their material needs met, and the “dechurched” have left because church, as church is usually done, appears irrelevant to the real world. The solution? Hatmaker advocates a major structural overhaul. His most controversial suggestion? Canceling morning worship service once a month so that the congregation can go out and actually meet the needs of the community.

When a church’s priorities change, Hatmaker foresees real progress being made. Why obsess over attendance counts when there are orphans to adopt and sex trafficking victims to rehabilitate? And what about partnering with other organizations to give Christians an opportunity to connect with those demographics underrepresented in church, like college professors? The refusal to do so, he points out, is often connected with an unwillingness to set aside some church agenda to get a service job done. In addition, churches crave public recognition for their work, pitting them against nonprofit organizations as competition instead of allies with common goals.

I enjoyed Barefoot Church largely because it got straight to the point. Yes, there were plenty of stories to illustrate the problem at hand along with Bible verses to convince the reader of the necessity of service, but Hatmaker focuses on the logistics of getting a program set up without burning out leaders or guilt tripping members who don’t have time. One area he doesn’t touch upon nearly enough is conflict within a congregation. Breaking away from the norm will likely cause division. Hatmaker sort of assumes that his readers are working within an autocratic system in which a senior pastor can create new projects and change church structure at whim. However, those coming from situations tightly controlled by the congregation, a team of elders, or a denominational authority need more advice on how to win over others. Yes, the church should make service a priority, but for small congregations especially, everyone needs to be on board with the idea.

P.S. Hatmaker also has written the Barefoot Church Primer: An 8-week Guide to Serving through Community to help churches get started.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. The Church needs to get back to what Christ commissioned is to do. This is a solid, practical book on ways to do just that. It's not about our image. It's serving the least, serving in the margins, loving our neighbor. Not just circling the wagons and taking care of "our own".

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Great book.

[Assja Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my slow read book I have read and it’s great.

“It doesn't stop with the orphan crisis. It extends to poverty across the world. It extends to issues of human trafficking and lack of clean water. Ir extends to the homeless, to the single mom needing help, and to the neglected widow. And it extends to being hope to our neighbor who may be in perfect health and have more money than you and I combined, but has no hope for eternity.
In order for the church to collectively answer this call, we each have to enter into a time of soul searching. We're going to have to be more aware as individuals. We're going to have to hear God's voice and discern to which part of this challenge God is calling us personally. Is he calling you to make a personal change, to develop a ministry, to engage needs locally or globally, to do an outreach, to adopt, or to foster? We have to be willing to consider anything. I's not about what we want to do. It's about what God wants us to do.
When we are faithful to his call, he will align our hearts.
Dr. Purvis offers a handful of thoughts for the church to consider in stewarding these issues. It's bigger than just teaching something new, it's about creating a new church culture.
• We have to cultivate a healing culture — where it's okay to be imperfect.
• We have to become a forgiving culture — where grace is
expected and extended.
• We have to create a culture of acceptance — where love is
unconditional.
• We have to offer a culture of permission — where we can wait to move until we hear God's voice. “ pg. 191

[RaeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read of Brandon Hatmaker's. At first I feel like I am not going to connect. He is a pastor and it shows in his writing. But after just a little bit, you can feel that he is a pastor that is reformed and thinks differently than most in church culture. I find him to be practical, honest, and helpful. He definitely slants toward talking to the church, and since I have been de-churched for some time now, I have to gloss over some of it. At the same time, I appreciate the perspective he is giving to that group. I think there are some practical takeaways that our family will use moving forward. It doesn't challenge/convict to the same level as Irresistible Revolution, but I have more hope after seeing how ANC has truly partnered with the community to make the community better that more churches can do it! If you are in the church, and you want to become a more missional community then I would highly recommend this book.

[Jason Kolar · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes I want to ask God why he doesn’t do anything about poverty, famine, and injustice, but I’m afraid he might just ask me the same question.”

This isn’t a quote from Hatmaker, but this quote seemed to summarize the heart of the book. This is a call for churches to be in the front lines of mission in their context, to serve the least these and love our neighbor. To feast and to fast. To make the alter both for communion and a place to leave your shoes.

Barefoot Church is a good book to build a passion to love the least of these as a Church. He doesn’t spend a lot of his time building a biblical foundation for what he says, but he also doesn’t shy away from it.

I feel challenged, motivated, and convinced that the Church needs to be on the forefront of loving the least of these.

[Cory St. Esprit · Rating 2 out of 5]

So long winded. The stories when used were good, although a little self-centered as to “look how great our church is!” Honestly the last chapter was the best and I felt he could’ve taken our 2-3 other chapters to get to the practical side.

The first 9 chapters are the basis behind why we must serve - the last chapter is the road map to creating that culture of service.

[Sydney Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. This book challenged me and my idea of missional living and a missional culture in ways I’d never imagined. It has ignited a desire and excitement in me to see where God can lead my own sense of mission as well as our church body in mission minded living. So many congregations would benefit from the insights of this book!

[Nate Polsfut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read/listened (audio book) this book numerous times. It honestly has changed my life.
Hatmaker challenges readers stop being cynical dreamers and take the risk of living life with purpose.

Highly recommend to readers that are sick of living critical and/or stagnant Christian life.

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that lays it all down. Love God and Love others.

[Amanda Rogers Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this challenged my thinking about the church. Brandon's story gives me hope that there is MORE. So very thankful for this book!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book puts into words so many of the things I’ve been thinking and feeling for several years.

[Dan Hendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on being the church I’ve read in a long time.

[Robert Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll tip my hand right from the beginning. Barefoot Church: Serving the Least in a Consumer Culture is one of the best books I’ve read all year. It’s filled with great, inspiring stories that come from real life, hands-on ministry experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether this church thing ever works, you need to read this book. It provides much-needed hope and direction, as well as a shift in the way we think about what defines “success” in the church.

Hatmaker is careful to avoid common pitfalls. Without in any way letting the church off the hook for all its failings, Brandon still keeps the perspective positive: on what we can do. There’s no sense of giving up. He also addresses the tangling and untangling of evangelism and social action deftly and realistically: a solid theological work.

Although early on the author says that the point is not to copy his model, I do hope that you’ll steal an idea here or there. Pick and choose some elements from his ministry to incorporate into your own. The broader Kingdom will be the better for it.

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about this book. Brandon Hatmaker has a wonderful church and ministry that is mission centered. My problem is motivation which he addresses in this book but I felt that it was conflicting. In the beginning of the book he laid out that Hollywood does more for the poor than the church. This really hit wrong. There is so much that we don't know. Some christians are very quiet about what they do for the kingdom. However, Hollywood likes to toot their horn. So should our motiviation be so we look better to hollywood or because of the Gospel. That is the problem with church as I see it. We have a poor picture of who God is, what he has done and because of that our motivation is out of wack. It should be of thanksgiving that is from the joy of our salvation. I thought Hatmaker did a poor job of addressing the motivation. It is a heart issue. As a pastor's responsibility is to PROCLAIM the truth of who God is. God has revealed much about who he is in his word. It is our responsibility to respond to that teaching. Even Jesus had many leave him because his teaching became hard. The people were looking for a free meal, end of opression, etc. John 6. He then asked his disciples if they were going to leave and they replied "Where would we go". I felt that this was more of a works than of who God is. I don't think that was the intention but it was not balanced. I do recommend this book for those churches and individuals that are missional minded. He had great ideals how churches can reach out to their city. He did mention that many times they do come along other non profits and there is no hidden agenda from the church. We are called to make disciples. To make life with others so that we can share the good news of who Jesus is.

[Benjamin Coakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. “Christians have a responsibility to serve the least of these” is not a message in short supply. While it’s an important message, it can get lost in translation if you appear to have any kind of hidden agenda. Yet, Barefoot Church has a much greater message than simple responsibility. He asks Why? - why do we have that responsibility? Perhaps most importantly, he asks How? - within our local churches, how can we actually make service and mission a priority?

When it comes to church, Brandon Hatmaker gets it. He understands the drama of church politics, the resistance to change, and the tension between discipleship and consumerism. He knows that we’re tired of agendas and directionless debates about doctrine. More than any other book about church that I’ve read, Hatmaker uses language that reconciles and includes. There is no pointing fingers and finding fault in “those church models” or “that era” or “this denomination” or “your pastor”. There is simply the one, global Body of Christ with a mission to carry the Gospel into our world.

This book seems to be targeted at pastors, ministry leaders, and long-time churchgoers more than anything. Nevertheless, his language is easy to understand and he frequently defines his terms. I think this book is a worthwhile read for anyone who’s wondered if church really can be about something greater than making sure our Sunday service runs smoothly. I would especially recommend it for the “dechurched”, as Hatmaker says - those that have been part of a church in the past and have become disenchanted with the surface level belief and lack of mission. I’m definitely going to keep this one of my shelf for future reference.

[Kelly Shank · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Barefoot Church is a fresh breath for the modern church. Brandon Hatmaker gives words to the restlessness that so many feel within the church today, that nudge that there is a different way, one that lives outside the sanctuary walls. This isn’t a church-bashing book for all the organ haters. It’s a book that puts the responsibility of living out the Great Commission onto every single believer. We are challenged to engage the world and change our ways, not our beliefs, to reach a new generation who desperately needs Jesus.

He describes a church who lives out faith through their commitment to and love for people. The barefoot church is one which gives of themselves for those who need God even more. It’s about becoming the embodiment of our beliefs in a world that desperately needs redemption. And, it’s about understanding that what we do for the people around us is more important than what we have.

“If no one else will go, we must still go. If no one else will care, we must still care. If every Christian in the world thinks we’re crazy, it doesn’t matter…For when we live recklessly by the Word and commands of God, we bear his name, not ours.”

Hatmaker offers practical advice for believers, lay leaders, and pastors to guide their congregation on a path to servant evangelism. Quite simply, we must begin serving like Jesus if we want to reach people. This generation will not be reached by only increasing the programs within the church building. Instead, we must connect with our communities and work together. He challenges us to really evaluate whether or not we are willing to reach people and be the church. Are we willing to change our programs, work with nonbelievers, and get outside the sanctuary walls to share the gospel?

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book for me has been mind altering. For several years I have felt alone, I have questioned my faith, I have felt lost. But Hatmaker's book calls the church to missional living, not for a week, not on Sunday's, but deeply in our hearts, daily moving beyond ourselves and living for Him.

I am tired. It seems American Christianity cares more about issues Christ didn't raise and naught for the issues He did command us to care about.

You know what I care about homosexuality? I care that my loved ones who are gay know they are loved by their creator, I am saddened that those that have rejected Christ have done so largely due to the hate they have personally encountered from Christians. You know what I care about transgendered people, I care that they are free to use a restroom without fear of harassment. I care for all the young people out there who are struggling and are bullied into acts of self violence. You know what I care about abortion? I care that women who feel desperate are subject to unspeakable choices, financial, familial and relational.

I care even more that there are people in this country who work hard every day and yet cannot provide themselves with the basics of life lived with dignity. I care that there people living on the streets struggling with addiction and mental Heath issues and this is not a priority for us as a country who still claims to be a Christian nation. I've run out of space. But I cannot
Thank the author enough for leading me back to a full throated confidence in Christ.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barefoot Church refreshed my soul unlike few books could. Having expressed many of the sentiments, nearly word for word, that Hatmaker does, the book strengthened my courage and gave me hope about the potential future for the church. I especially appreciated Hatmaker's perspective as a pastor. His honesty about the transformation and conviction God brought about was wonderful to read. The adjustments and transitions to whole-heartedly serving the least is highly valuable for any pastor going through a similar transformation.

As one who feels the tension of how things are in the church and how Scripture says they should be, I recommend Barefoot Church to every pastor and every believer. The Church must change its focus, becoming intentional about its care for the poor in tangible terms, if it is be the Church Jesus desires it to be. Matthew 25 clearly indicates that we will be judged by what we do or don't do for the least in our world. Woe to us if we fail to hear that call and respond. I'm grateful that others have responded and shared that journey with the Church to learn from and to be inspired by.

[Christie Hagerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bit of a trendy topic in Christian circles right now, the idea that the church is somehow missing the mark of what God's designed it to be. Scores of books are arguing about organic vs. traditional, megachurch vs. house church, individual vs. community. But this book crosses those boundaries and shows how we can incorporate the principles of missional servanthood normally seen more within organic church contexts, into the context of the organized church.

I liked the way Hatmaker shared so many personal stories to demonstrate the basic principles of missional living throughout the book. Pastors and leaders would benefit from reading his thoughts on empowering rather than delegating, and on new church models. However, all of us who want to see the church realize our full potential in the culture and find ways to serve as God intended would benefit from reading this book.

I received this book free from the publisher through netGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hatmaker tells his story of starting ANC (Austin New Church) and how he grew closer to God's heart for the poor and hurting. I am moved by stories and this book does a great job of telling the story and pushing home the message that we need to be serving the poor and needy - not out of obligation but because of our relationship with Christ. Hatmaker's points come mainly from his work at his church - it is how they did it, how it worked and what they learned. He even challenges his readers at the end to consider where God is leading them and gives pointers on best to step forward.

p.s.
I have read his wife's book "7" and also heard her speak recently at a conference. I have found that this couple has huges heart that resembles Christ and are great storytellers.

[Pathway Midland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hatmaker tells his story of starting ANC (Austin New Church) and how he grew closer to God's heart for the poor and hurting. I am moved by stories and this book does a great job of telling the story and pushing home the message that we need to be serving the poor and needy - not out of obligation but because of our relationship with Christ. Hatmaker's points come mainly from his work at his church - it is how they did it, how it worked and what they learned. He even challenges his readers at the end to consider where God is leading them and gives pointers on best to step forward.

- Curtis

p.s.
I have read his wife's book "7" and also heard her speak recently at a conference. I have found that this couple has huges heart that resembles Christ and are great storytellers.

[logankstewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a long time to finish, but it wasn't because the book wasn't good. Just a lot going on.

Hatmaker has crafted a book that's a quasi-memoir of what his church has done to become more like Jesus. It's filled with practical advice on how to love people (and communities) more like Jesus, displaying our love through service. As a co-founder of a new church plant in Kentucky, I've taken many ideas from the book and let them soak into my brain.

This is a must read refreshing look at what the church should look like in post-post-modern America. It's also a great book for those who feel like life (and church) should be more than it is. The only way to fill the void is to seek Jesus and live like He did, embracing love for all.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's a great reminder of the way we should be living out our faith.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 4-star book until the end. The last chapter is solid gold--practical, balanced steps to take to start DOING what God has put on your heart, whether you're a layperson or in ministry, in a church that shares the vision of serving the poor or not, etc. I'd like to copy down that entire chapter, for it's the application that many missional church books don't outline well; but Brandon is living it out with all the tension & mess it causes, & he shares how to survive & love people through it.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brandon Hatmaker, Pastor of Austin New Church, challenges Christians to be more mission-minded versus having a more narrow focus on internal church members and programs. Austin New Church serves as a great example as they partner with non-profits to serve the community. This paradigm shift is part of the culture of Austin New Church and is a good model for others to follow. This book is geared more for church pastors and staff; however, Brandon Hatmaker shares that any of us can seek out mission opportunities and be willing and available to embrace this journey with a faith community.